Beauty for Ashes

Isaiah 61:3

There are many views on how the earth was first formed. Many different traditions have dramatic stories of either an evolutionary journey or an explosive event. Even within orthodox Christian tradition there are a number of different views. What they all share is that it starts with a blank canvas – nothing – emptiness!

The narrative of the opening chapters of Genesis talks about a deliberately creative and loving God who has joy and excitement in His creation.  The pinnacle of the creation event appears to be the formation of mankind.  So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27)

We are ‘image bearers’ displaying something of our creator. I look like my dad, and my boys look a little like me. Even with our modern understanding of DNA I find it a little amusing how often people say, (with surprise), “You look so like you father!”

The pollutant that Christianity often refers to as ‘sin’ breaks and damages the image, it is not irradiated, but scarred and tainted. We are still ‘image bearers’.

Not all of us would describe ourselves as creative; however I think there is a little something in each of us that wishes to create. Whether that be making the bed, the dinner or making the books balance, making government policies, making bold management decisions or making a great work of art.

I love creativity, and I believe that there is something of the image of God at work in us when we create.  It’s amazing to watch some of our clients working away at a blank canvas until it comes to life, or taking soft clay and forming an small ornament or sculpture. Whether it’s in our music studio, working on a piece of music or up in the roof garden growing tomatoes. Being creative not only brings joy, it celebrates something of our creator - “You look so like you father!”

We want to share the joy of some of these works with you and are hosting our first Art Exhibition in the middle of June.

Why don’t you come and join us.

Thursday 13 and Friday 14 June

11am – 2pm
4pm – 6.30pm

Saturday 15 June

11am – 4pm

20 Crimea Street, Glasgow, G2 8PW

Free entrance.

  

http://www.glasgowcitymission.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=112/

Don't want to read the news today

I'm addicted to news. There is much mocking in our home which is regularly directed at me and my obsession for the news. I wake up in the morning to the news on the radio, within moments the TV is on the BBC news channel, and no sooner am I in the office than I'm reading the BBC News website. When pottering around the house at weekends it's not unusual for the news to playing in the background while I supposed to be focused on other things!

                                

Many of us are familiar with the fact that most news is dark in nature and good news or fun stories are rare or are tagged on the end of a 'slow news day'. However in recent weeks I've found it almost too oppressive to engage with the news around me. Acknowledging that some is speculative and other cases are yet to be proven, the recent catalogue of sexual offences that have led to arrests and confessions seems to have spiralled beyond my comprehension.

It appears as if there is a new sense of purpose amongst the authorities to act with rigour regarding accusations made, and it seems as though ‘Operation Yewtree’ and other parallel investigations are having a significant impact.

The past couple of days have seen most TV networks turn their attention to events in Ohio, with the dramatic escape and rescue of the girls that were held in captivity for a decade. While not an excuse for his alleged crimes, Ariel Castro appears to have himself been raped by his uncle and abused by his parents. While it is certainly not always the case, it appears that in this particular instance, the cycle of violence, abuse and destruction has passed on through generations.

Not all, but many of the individuals that we love and serve here at Glasgow City Mission will tell you stories of abuse. Abused often by the ones who should have fought to protect, nurture and love them. The impact of these crimes doesn’t disappear in an instant, nor does it leave with the end of the abuse. The memory of the abuse and the long term emotional impact of it can all too often be devastating. The reason many of the people we serve have sometimes turned to substance abuse is often to hide from the pain endured for too long.

Three things keep going round in my head recently.

Forgiveness

This is a huge issue for our world, but in short they only way to halt the cycle of abuse and violence that I know is forgiveness – given and received, victim and perpetrator. 

Acceptance

I’m guilty of judging people, why they are the way they are, why they take drugs, behave violently or live chaotic lives. Often they've been the victims of abuse, and instead of condemnation need acceptance, not acceptance of actions that are destructive, but acceptance of who they are is key to part of their recovery.

Protection

We need to stand up for the vulnerable, the weak, the ‘widows and orphans’ of our society, the voiceless; we need an arm of protection and stand up to abuse in all its forms. 

I find it important to consider more carefully the lives of those around me, choosing not to join the wailing mob, desperate for revenge in the hope it might make me feel better momentarily. Rather take small steps on the deep, long and hard journey which will include forgiveness, acceptance and protection.